Fire forces Pace students out of dorms

A fire forced nearly 100 Pace University students out of their rooms in Pleasantville Wednesday morning.

The fire was reported at about 11:15 a.m. It was first thought to be a brush fire in the rear of the townhouses, which are used for student housing on the Pace campus. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found flames climbing up the outside of the building.

All the students managed to get out quickly. As students waited outside, firefighters from the Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor departments fought the fire. They were able to contain the blaze to the outside of the building. Most of the students were able to move back into their rooms.

Fire officials are investigating the cause. It is thought to have been the result of an electrical problem, but the investigation will also look into the possibility it was started in leaves by a carelessly discarded cigarette.